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How does sentence length affect writing voice?

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

It's time for another writing voice exercise

Dear Reader,

In working with nonfiction authors, I often recommend they break up a few long sentences to aid comprehension or change the rhythm of the work.

If you live firmly in the "long sentences best serve my work" camp, beware. Too many long sentences can get in the way of comprehension, and then your relationship with the reader suffers. (No one wants to read a sentence twice to understand it.)

This month, I invite you to attention to your sentence length, as I would if I were reading your work. Play with short and long patterns. You might unlock a new aspect of your writing.

The Voice Exercise: Sentence Length

Sentences are the scaffolds of meaning for your prose. But they are also musical elements, bringing rhythm and flow. One easy way to tinker with your writing voice is to break out of your usual sentence length patterns.

This month, I offer a simple exercise that may transform the way you think about sentences. Give it a try!

You can also watch the video if you prefer.

A Virtual Conference for Nonfiction Writers

Next month, I'll be speaking at the Nonfiction Writers' Conference (May 7-9). It's entirely virtual. There's more coming soon, but for now, you can get an early bird discount before April 11 using the link below and the code NFWC30.

​Learn more and register here.

An AI tool for authors, on sale

The folks at QuickWrite have added a cool new features to their author-specific AI tool, including video creation, voice-over, and the ability to select your favorite AI engine. It's a one-time, life-time purchase, and you can get it on sale right now using my affiliate link.

These features are brand new, so I haven't yet played with them yet. If you bought QuickWrite a while ago, you have access to the new features now. Let me know what you think.

Good News

I'm looking for positive things to share. Anyone?

Spring is here. The plum blossoms are done and the camellia is blooming.

Fun writing. I published a short piece on what revising Bach teaches me about aging, in a publication called Crow's Feet—which a reader here introduced me to. (Thanks!) Find it on Medium: Two-Part (Re)Inventions.

If you have good news to share with the writing world, please let me help spread it.

Thanks all for now. Happy April, and keep writing.

Anne

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PO Box 66285 Scotts Valley, CA 95067

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Writing Practices

by Anne Janzer

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